MAGIC AMULETS.
A CEAZE AMONG ALL CLASSES,
It is the desire of every Chinaman's heart to possess a pair of magic bracelets. Armrings or bracelets are thought a great deal of in the Celestial Empire, the custom of wearing them having been handed down from time immemorial. Usually made of jade stone, the Chinese arm ring of today is of'one invariable shape. It looks like a large martingale. - The Chinese word for jade is ngoolcseu, and for the jade arm ring or bracelet,, ngook-ak.' The custom In China is to place bracelet on a young man's arm just before the hand stops growing. ■; A- tight fit is usually secured, and once placed the amulet arm ring is worn throughout life. At death, if the-bracelet has proved a lucky one, and jf there is a son whom it will fit, the bones in the old man's hand are broken.'and the bracelet removed. .-,' : '.• :' /■' Many are the marvellous- tales told by the Chinese of the wonderful'qualities these amulets possess. There is a tradition that a certain Chinese Eraperor, who was stricken with paralysis, wore upon his forearm a magic bracelet, which kept life in" that member for many month's;' and •'allowed him-to make known his desires and decrees by writing. At last,' wherr death, claimed the Emperor,'something* erea more wonderful took place.'Dead three days, and lying in state, his body was being* viewed by the priests. .The advisability of removing the. bracelet was being considered, when the. haiid -.ras lifted up, and gave a signal which they interpreted to mean • the : bracelet should go with its owner to the tomb. Among other wonderful properties a good amulet is said to' act as a fairly reliable barometer.
i ; , ADMIRAL' KEMPFF ; ' ~,: . (The United States . Commander ftf .' China)..'
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Auckland Star, Volume XXXI, Issue 196, 18 August 1900, Page 1 (Supplement)
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292MAGIC AMULETS. Auckland Star, Volume XXXI, Issue 196, 18 August 1900, Page 1 (Supplement)
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